The frigid conditions caused many schools in our area to cancel class for the day-- but for South Bend Schools it was just another normal day. That had many parents upset.

Newscenter 16 has received hundreds of e-mails from viewers on this issue. Many people think South Bend Schools should have called off class. Many viewers have been expressing their frustration over the decision. They think the early morning snow and icy temperatures should have been a reason to cancel class.

South Bend School’s Superintendent, Jim Kapsa, says his decision was made in the best interest of the students.

Newscenter 16 caught up with the Clapper family. They are one of many families who said they kept their kids home from school because they think it's too cold and dangerous to head out.

“You gotta weigh it out, their safety or their education, and their safety is more important to me. There are some children here in South Send Schools that have to walk to the bus stops, stand out there, some of them have to cross dangerous intersections,” says Annette Clapper, who has three children in the South Bend School Corporation.

Another parent, William Trozzy, also thinks school should have been called off-- but sent his son to class because he didn’t want him to miss out. “If schools going on, I gotta bring him, I don't want to miss out on stuff that he needs to have as an education,” says Trozzy.

Superintendent Jim Kapsa defends his decision to send kids to school. He says the student's safety is always a priority.

“We look at our clientele, many of them need a safe place to go during the day, and we want education to take place. At least we know in a school, they are sheltered, protected,” says Kapsa.

Meantime, one parent e-mailed Newscenter 16, expressing support for the superintendent's decision.

The parent writes, "I understand that it is nasty outside, but I also understand that South Bend School Corporation understands that no matter if they close schools or not, parents have to do something with their children. Closing schools puts an extra burden on single parents like myself, who still have to work even though you keep telling people to stay home!"

South Bend and other schools will have to make the same decision tomorrow morning, as temperatures are expected to be even lower at that time.